Marya Akhtar

• School Business Development Consultancy
• University Entrance Consultancy & Packages
• UK Boarding School Entrance Consultancy
• A Level/IB Economics Exams & Assessment Support

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30+ Years

at Elite British Independent Schools
& 10 Years of
Premium International School Development

17+ Years

as Edexcel Expert Examiner & AQA Examiner.87% A * & A Grades achieved with majority at a top UK/US University

750+ placed

at top Russell Group & Ivy League Universities
along with universities in Canada, Australia and HK.

My Background

As Director of Global Business Development at a premium UK Boarding school supporting sister schools abroad, setting up global educational programmes and an online school, I have gained valuable insights, networking and experience to offer education and business consultancy services to schools, investors, operators and governors.As Director of Higher Education there, I guided 700+ students through UCAS applications focusing on top Russell Group universities, Oxbridge & Ivy League Applications, and strategic course selection. Under my tenure 90%+ students gained offers from top Russell Group and Ivy League universities annually over 9 years.I hold a Bachelor's and Master's in Economics and a PGCE from the Institute of Education, UCL—one of the world's leading centres for teacher training. 17+ years as an Edexcel Economics Expert Examiner & AQA Examiner, I offer training and deeper insight (to both schools and students) into skill development, assessment criteria, common pitfalls, and what truly earns top grades.The triple perspective—as a senior education and business leader, examiner and university admissions specialist—allows me to offer schools & students a complete pathway to success.

What Sets Me Apart

Business Development: Member of IoD who served as Director of Global Business Development at a premium boarding school. COO-level international education leader combining financial modelling, risk analysis, feasibility studies, marketing strategy and franchise structuring along with creating metrics for due diligence, KPIs and onboarding — focused on scaling education platforms while protecting their institutional DNA.University Entrance: I provide strategic guidance on curating a cutting-edge super-curricular portfolio first along with packages for personal statement, essay writing, interview preparation, and targeted course selection, drawing on my extensive experience placing students at Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, Warwick and top Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Brown, UCLA, Columbia, Yale, UPenn , NYU and Stanford.Boarding School Entrance Guidance: Having spent 20 years at one of the premium full-boarding schools of the country afforded me deep insights into the nature of students and families that are considered to be the right fit. I can not only help with ISEB and internal assessments along with choice of school, but also guide students on preparing well and presenting themselves in the right context.Economics Support: Workshops and Lessons are tailored to the individual school's or student's needs, addressing specific knowledge gaps while building the application, analytical and evaluative skills that Exam Boards demand. Exam technique is taught as rigorously as economic theory—how to structure essays, manage time effectively, and apply real-world examples that demonstrate sophisticated understanding. I aim for a .6 grade value added for Schools and 1-2 grade value added for students.

School/ Business Consultancy

Ideal For:

School leadership teams, trustees, governing bodies, and education entrepreneurs (School Operators, Property Companies, Financiers) seeking expert guidance to take premium British Education abroad

What's Included:

Strategic advice for independent schools, international school groups, and education investors on Franchise models, KPIs, Risk analysis, Curriculum Design, Quality Assurance, School Policies, Governance and institutional excellence.

Economics Support Package

Ideal For:

Schools & Students aiming for top universities, OR anyone seeking grade improvement from D/C to B or B to A\A* (4/5 to 6/7 in IB HL Economics).

What's Included:

Expert 1:1 and small group tuition for Edexcel IGCSE, A Level and IB Economics. Master exam technique, essay structure, and real-world application and evaluation to consistently achieve A*/A or 6/7 grades.

University Entrance Package

Ideal For:

Schools aiming to offer 21st Century University Entrance programme and ambitious Year 12-13 students targeting Russell Group, Oxbridge, and top international universities.

Programme includes:

Comprehensive support for UCAS, top Russell Group & Ivy League Universities' applications, Oxbridge & Medicine applications preparation, entrance test preparation, personal statements help, interview coaching, and strategic course selection aligned with career ambitions.

Boarding School Admissions Support

Ideal For:

International agents & families and UK parents seeking independent education at Britain's leading prep and boarding schools

What's Included:

Comprehensive guidance for parents navigating UK boarding school admissions, including school selection strategy, entrance exam preparation (Common Entrance, 13+), and interview coaching.

What Clients Say

"Marya transformed my son's confidence and ability. From a B to an A* in A Level Economics — truly outstanding." - Mr P

"I hope to find colleagues who will be as passionate as you about International School Development.!" - Business Partner, KL

"Ms A believed in my capabilities....I am not sure how much of my decision to study Economics at university had to do with my interest in the matter vs how much she made me love the subject! She taught me higher level skills of analysis, evaluation and data interpretation" - Amina"Many thanks for your time and for sending detailed feedback on my son's Cambridge Natural Sciences interview practice sessions. He found the sessions very helpful, and we really appreciate your support and guidance" - Xiaoqiong